Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to or advocating for fundamentalism: Describes a strict adherence to basic principles or doctrines, especially in religion, often characterized by a literal interpretation of sacred texts and a resistance to modernism.
   • Characteristic of a fundamentalist approach: Pertaining to a rigid, uncompromising belief in the foundational tenets of a system, ideology, or theory.

2. Noun:

   • A supporter or adherent of fundamentalism: A person who believes in the strict, literal interpretation of religious scriptures or the basic principles of any doctrine and advocates for a return to these foundational beliefs.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The group holds a fundamentalist interpretation of the scripture.
  • His fundamentalist views on economics leave no room for compromise.

• Noun:

  • The fundamentalist preached a return to traditional values.
  • She was labeled a political fundamentalist for her rigid stance.

Advanced Usage

• "Fundamentalist movement": A collective effort by groups or individuals advocating for a return to fundamental principles.

  • The fundamentalist movement gained significant influence in the region.

• "Fundamentalist ideology": The system of beliefs central to fundamentalist thought.

  • The party's platform was shaped by a fundamentalist ideology.

Variants and Related Words

• Fundamentalism (n): The strict adherence to basic principles or doctrines, especially in religion.

  • Religious fundamentalism often rejects modern secular values.

• Fundamental (adj): Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.

  • This is a fundamental rule that cannot be broken. (Note: This is the root adjective, not a variant of 'fundamentalist').

Synonyms

• Adjective: Orthodox, doctrinaire, rigid, literalist.
• Noun: Zealot, hardliner, traditionalist, orthodox believer.

Related Phrases

• "Fundamentalist group": An organized collective adhering to fundamentalist principles.

  • The government is monitoring the activities of the fundamentalist group.

• "Take a fundamentalist position": To adopt an uncompromising stance based on core principles.

  • On this issue, he chose to take a fundamentalist position.

Related Idioms

• "A fundamentalist streak": A tendency or inclination toward rigid, fundamentalist thinking within a person or group.
  • Despite his modern education, he has a fundamentalist streak when it comes to social customs.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or tending toward fundamentalism

Noun

1. a supporter of fundamentalism